Vitalis Ndeda

Individual Regional AwardsLondon

Vitalis was working as an Assistant Engineer on London Underground when, in 2004, his trade union learning representative encouraged him to take the union learning rep course. On completion, Vitalis took the TUC Discussion Leaders course too, enabling him to run workplace education sessions where he encouraged many colleagues to engage in learning. As part of his union learning rep role, he was instrumental in encouraging his employer to provide further professional training for employees. Vitalis took up this training position and completed an A1/V1 Assessor Award and an NVQ4 in Occupational Safety and Health. He is now considered a health and safety specialist for London Underground, training and assessing employees with Lewisham College.

Vitalis came to the UK from the former USSR never thinking he would reach where he is now: “Learning has really empowered me to be in control of my destiny,” he said. Vitalis has also recently completed a qualification in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector.